Travel Like Your Agent: Northern Italy
- Rachael Eldridge
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
One of Smiley Travel's most popular countries for vacations is this lovely nation full of art, architecture, and history. No matter where you decide to go in Italy, you can expect beautiful renaissance buildings, art museums bursting with classic painting and sculptures, and food! So much good Italian food, and just like everything else in this unique and distinct country, it varies greatly from region to region!
Italy has so much to offer, it is simply impossible to travel the whole country in one trip. The first time Rebecca visited, she spent two weeks in northern Italy alone! She's been back countless times now and knows all the best spots and secrets. Keep reading for your favorite travel agent's guide to northern Italy.
Keep in mind, every Smiley vacation is unique! Through conversations with her clients, Rebecca caters their trip to give each and every Smiley Traveler the best vacation ever.
The Dolomites
Sometimes called "The Pale Mountains" for their white limestone walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is popular among Smiley Travelers and one of Rebecca's favorite places, too! Whenever Rebecca gets to visit this region of Northern Italy, she always stays at the same adorable little, locally-owned bed and breakfast in Fornesighe. There's also a restaurant called Baita Deona, with a great hiking trail right next to it that she loves sharing with her clients. The restaurant has gorgeous views, and if you're daring enough for a mountain hike, you'll be rewarded with a secret bar at the other end of the trail!
Lake Como
Nestled into the foothills of the Alps, this lake and the surrounding town are truly picturesque. While there, Rebecca definitely suggests renting a boat or booking a boat tour to get some of the best views of your life. She has some great recommendations for boat tours in that area. Lake Como is also famous for being the primary filming location for the Lake of Naboo in Star Wars. Several scenes from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) were shot here, including that iconic wedding scene. If you ask nicely, she might even tell you where to get some of the heart-shaped bruschetta you see on the left... Just kidding, Rebecca never gatekeeps her trip tips!
Venice
The City of Canals should be on everyone's bucket list, in my opinion, and when you're traveling to northern Italy, it's a must-see destination. Rebecca recommends getting a canal view room for the best experience. Venice can get crowded. Having your own, private view in a city like this is definitely something she recommends every Smiley Traveler splurge for. She has a few really cute hotels options, depending on her clients needs.
It can be kind of intimidating the first time you visit Venice. All the "roads" are water and sometimes the streets are poorly marked. Even Rebecca got lost the first time she visited. Luckily, she has a host of tips and tricks for Smiley Travelers to get around easily. By the time you leave, you'll be hailing water taxis like a pro. To warm up, though, book a city tour with a gondola ride, like this one that Rebecca recommends.
Verona
Perhaps best known as the backdrop to one of the most infamous love stories ever written, Rebecca loves sending Smiley Travelers to this poetic, walkable city.
While there, you've got to check out Arena di Verona. While smaller than Rome's infamous Colosseum, this 1st century Roman amphitheater is much more intact and still in use! They even host the local opera troupe. While you're in Verona, make sure and check out Rebecca's favorite restaurant Le Cantine de l'Arena. Don't let it's appearance fool you---this charming, little restaurant has fantastic, authentic Italian pasta.
Her other recommendation for Verona visitors is a museum called Juliet's House, dedicated to everything Romeo and Juliet. She's got some great hotel and restaurant recommendations all within walking distance of both of Verona's most popular destinations. This is a very pedestrian-friendly city and great as a quick one-or-two day stop on the way to your next destination.
Cinque Terre
Rebecca recommends Cinque Terre for Smiley Travelers who want to explore northern Italy but still want a trip to the beach. She says it's a great substitute for the Amalfi coast (we'll cover that in a future blog post). You'll love the views of their colorful houses built against stunning seaside cliffs. If you're a big Disney fan, you might also recognize Five Villages from Cars 2. "Porto Corsa," the fictional village where Lightning McQueen's second big race is held, was based on Cinque Terre. Rebecca also recommends this region for explorers who want to take a hike.
Florence
I saved this one for last because it's Rebecca's favorite city in the world! I love hearing her talk about this vibrant, cultural city whenever we get to chat about Italy. International travelers to northern Italy usually fly into either Florence or Milan. Rebecca suggests flying into Florence and spending a few days just relaxing.
Adjusting to the time change can be exhausting at first. She's got some great tips to help with that, too, like using a book-in-advance service, like WelcomePickups, to get from the airport to your hotel. If it's your first time in Europe, or you just don't feel like dealing with the hassle of figuring out the trek, it takes a lot of pressure off that first ride. Plus who doesn't want to be picked up from the airport by a driver holding a sign with your name on it at least once?
Depending on your interests, Rebecca has a few recommendations for hotel stays. Most travelers want to stay near the Florence Cathedral, called the Duomo. It can get pretty crowded, though. If you're like me, and prefer a quieter, more calm environment for my hotel, like a sanctuary to return to each night, Rebecca loves the area around Boboli Gardens. She says it's a bit more peaceful at times and still within walking distance of several cute plazas and shops.
Rebecca works with Viator to find the best activities and excursions for every Smiley Traveler. If you are interested in taking an Italian cooking class, Rebecca has a few that she recommends, like this one that has unlimited free wine. If eating is more your vibe, consider a food tour. You could even book a day trip to a Tuscan winery, if that's your thing. Personally, when I visit Florence, I'd like to spend a day wandering art museums like Uffizi Gallery, which is home to the Birth of Venus, painted by Sandro Botticelli around 1485 and one of the most recognizable Renaissance paintings today.
There's so much to see and do in just one region of Italy. It's exciting when you're daydreaming, but once you start planning that trip, it can be overwhelming! That's where Smiley Travel comes in. Rebecca takes the time to understand what you want out of your vacation and can help you decide how long you should stay at each destination.
Do you have one (or more?!) of these destinations on your travel bucket list? Take this as your sign to reach out to Rebecca today and start planning!
Do you want to see more Travel Like Your Agent destinations? If so, comment below and let us know!
Until next time, Smiley travelers,
Keep Exploring,
Rachael Magruder
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